Generosity toward teachers shows what Acadiana is all about

File photo Caitlin Jacob, consumer experience director for Gannett Louisiana, helps pass out donated school supplies to teachers in August 2014. The Daily Advertiser is hosting its adopt-a-teacher supply drive again this year. Caitlin Jacob, digital programming editor for The Advertiser, right, helps pass out school supplies donated by local businesses and individuals to area teachers as part of The Advertiser's adopt-a-classroom program Friday at The Daily Advertiser in Lafayette.(Photo: Leslie Westbrook, The Advertiser)

When the Lafayette Parish School System swings open its doors this morning, many of its teachers will greet their new students with classrooms equipped with supplies purchased by generous citizens. Teachers in many other Acadiana parishes can say much the same.

Purchases were made through The Daily Advertiser’s Adopt-A-Teacher program, which began collections in early summer and culminated its drive with distributions of supplies at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy — Principal Jeff Debetaz worked tirelessly to help — in late July. Supply lists provided by some 700 teachers were fully or partially filled by area residents who “adopted” their classrooms.

This was the second year The Daily Advertiser operated the program. In 2014, more than 60 teachers were assisted. This year, the program expanded tenfold.

Most teachers asked for basic supplies most commonly associated with running a classroom: pencils and paper, cleaning wipes and paper towels, tissue paper and crayons. Some requests on their face appeared to be exotic or adventurous: supplies for the classroom’s pet turtle, or welding supplies. But area teachers seemed to have a firm grasp on what they needed to make their classrooms efficient, lively and productive. We’re happy many needs were met.

One teacher got kitchen supplies. A few got rugs for their classrooms. Some got computers or printers.

More than 500 donors — some donors supplied more than one teacher’s classroom — adopted classrooms and either fully or mostly met the supply lists or donated money. Some shopped with their adopted teachers. But in most cases, donors met needs that our classroom teachers might have otherwise had to supply at their personal expense.

For teachers adopted, the program was “a blessing,” as one teacher called it in a thank-you note to Amanda McElfresh, our reporter assigned to K-12 education. McElfresh handled much of the legwork for the program, compiling “frequently asked” questions and answers, corresponding with teachers and donors and hauling supplies to teacher vehicles.

“You have no way of knowing what an impact this is on our community for the teachers and our students,” one teacher wrote.

“Having everything I need before the school year begins is an incredible feeling,” wrote another.

Another said in the midst of our summer tragedy, the July 23 shooting at a Lafayette movie theater, generosity shown by donors to the Adopt-A-Teacher program bolstered her faith in the goodness of her home community. Such generosity, she said, is what Acadiana is all about.

Indeed it is. Sadly, the program could not fill every teacher’s list — almost 900 signed up to ask for help — but it helped most. It told teachers that people in our community value what they do.

Donors are most appreciated. They saw great need, stepped forward and helped launch this school year in splendid fashion. Our teachers earn such support every day.